The Delta Wild minor midget hockey academy is already enjoying success on and off the ice.
"The Delta School District and South Delta Minor Hockey have partnered to provide a unique opportunity for 15-yearold boys who are talented hockey players looking to hone their skills," said Ian Gallagher, director of player development with the school district's South Delta Hockey Academy, which operates out of South Delta Secondary School.
Midget hockey bracket in B.C. is for 15-to-17-yearolds. This grouping often means that at the elite level the younger players do not make the teams because they are often much smaller than the 17-year-olds.
Realizing the demand for 15-year-olds to play at this level, the South Delta Hockey Academy and South Delta Minor teamed-up to create a new team for these players - the Delta Wild.
The players are registered in the hockey academy where they have two school blocks dedicated to hockey. During one block every other morning they do skill development and conditioning with the rest of the hockey academy students. The second block is every other afternoon and is focused on team development. Despite the fact that they have only been playing together for several months, the players are doing exceptionally well.
"Having the opportunity to train and play at the elite level has been incredibly beneficial for these players. I have seen vast improvement in their skill level already," said Gallagher.
The Wild are strictly a tournament team. Thus far, the Wild have played in Calgary twice, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Wenatchee, and Richmond. They also play an exhibition schedule locally out of the Pacific Coliseum against top ranked midget A1 programs. The players on the team do not play for another association. The structure of the program means the players do not practice in the mornings or evenings during the school week, which has had an added benefit for the students.
"I have had several parents tell me their sons' marks in school have improved because the boys now have more time to study after school," explained Gallagher. "The program has been successful in a multitude of ways."
This success has already drawn attention from several other school districts that are considering similar teams. There is also the potential to expand the program in Delta, perhaps with a girls' team some day. Overall, the partnership with South Delta Minor Hockey has been very beneficial.
B.C. Amateur Hockey and Pacific Coast Hockey have sanctioned the Delta Wild and the team is endorsed by and run in conjunction with South Delta Minor Hockey.
Students are eligible to play on the team just for one year when they are 15years-old.
